I remember my first time transferring. It wasn’t that bad. I was only in kindergarten when it happened, so I was too young to realize what was really happening. But as you get older, the experience only gets scarier. Others begin to judge and critique based off looks, and saying a mere “Hello” can drastically change their thoughts on you. One of the worst parts was leaving behind all of the people you once knew and grew fond of, only to repeat the same process over again. But sooner or later you get used to the thought of meeting new people.
My last and final time transferring was in fifth grade, when I went to a public school. I went from a school where we didn’t learn anything at all to a school that taught everything. Back then, I wasn’t really focused on the learning. I was more focused on the people. When I transferred, I went to a school that was predominately Asian. Now, believe it or not, before then, I never had an Asian friend (weird, right?). Therefore, the thought of me automatically going to an all-Asian school startled me. I began to ask questions like “What if they don’t like me?” or “What if I’m the only different child?” I knew that I was just being paranoid at the time, but all children think this way at some point in their lives when they have to move to a completely unfamiliar environment. This is how I became the student and friend I am today.
As the new student, I kept to myself. My parents had recently broken up, and I didn’t have much to talk about, so I reflected on my past and observed my fellow classmates. I saw that most people had already established friendships and had their own little cliques. This alone frightened me a bit, thinking maybe I should just ask my parents to send me to a new school or a new environment, but I decided I would just stay for fifth grade and leave for sixth (clearly my plans were demolished). There were two fifth grade classrooms, which was still new to me. I came from mainly private schools with only one class per grade, so I would have to get used to it. As the year progressed, I started talking and socializing more. Although I wasn’t 100% myself yet, I knew I would get there eventually. I wasn’t fully used to people being so nice at a new school. I began to think maybe coming here could help me take my mind off of my personal life. I ended up making friends with everyone in my fifth grade class and began to look forward to sixth grade, which would end up being one of the best and worst school years for me.
Finally sixth grade came around, and I was excited. I was happy to see my previous classmates in line waiting for their new class, just as I was. You see, sixth grade still counted as part of me transferring because I was still getting used to meeting new people. With the fifth grade classrooms split, I hadn’t met everyone. That year was a transformation for me. I had some ups and downs in that year, but the majority of my time was filled with laughter and good vibes. As I got used to everyone I was around, I started noticing the people I felt comfortable with and who I didn’t have much in common with. This helped me realize who I am as a person and what kind of people I like to be around. This is a memory I will keep forever.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey
In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.